Took the plunge, just not the one I thought id be taking...

[tinian_1]

I thought for sure I was going to get a Marauder, but I purchased an Infinity g35 instead. Heres why (not in any order):

1. Warranty-Infinity 4yr/60k b-b, 6yr/70k powertrain
Mercury 3yr/36k b-b
Infinity has more confidence in its product, and it shows in the
warranty. Mercury needs to offer more to compete.

2. Out-of-the box performace: Infinti is a great, fast car as it is
The Mercury seems to need some mods to get it to perform
at a level that people expect

3. Performance: The Infinti will beat the Marauder in 0-60 and 1/4 mile
as well as totally obliterate it in the twisties

4. Quality of product: I dont think anyone will argue this, though I
did think the Marauder was well put together. But a bogus oil
pressure guage? C'mon Mercury!

5. Spousal approval: Hey, it matters!

6. Dealership experience: Infinit leads the industy in cust service
and gives out loaners for oil changes even! Mercury dealerships
GENERALLY adhere to the classic american car dealership
techniques.

7. Infiniti was more willing to deal: Even though Marauder had a
rebate, the dealer actually acted like there was some demad for the
car, even though the two he had were covered in a layer of dust.

8. Space and comfort: The Marauder had more headroom in the back
but the infinity feels better. Mercury needs some real sport seats
instead of those couches up front. Rear seat legroom was
disappointing for such a large car.

I do, however, find myself still craving a Marauder. Heres why:

1. Bad-ass looks-Infiniti looks great, but the Marauder is just B-A-D!

2. Those f-ing exhaust pipes! Those are boss.

3. The sound: The Infinit has a great sound, but nothing beats an
American V-8 burble.

4. The aftermarket: If i were to customize, the Marauder has
a better supplier base and more mods.

5. Originality and personality. I have yet to see a Marauder on the
street, so that would be interesting on its own. The car also seems
to have that intangible feeling of "character" about it.

6. Crash test scores: Better be good for this beast.

7. Did I mention the pipes and the burble?

Maybe one day ill get one, if they make it into a real muscle car. I know they can do it. When they give it the guts to go with the looks, theyll get my money.

Good luck to all of you, and thanks for the info. Ive gleaned from your posts. Despite my choice, I believe you all own a great car.

[RCSignals]

Performance: The Infinti will beat the Marauder in 0-60 and 1/4 mile
as well as totally obliterate it in the twisties

It will?

[tinian_1]

Latest tests showed the following:

Infiniti G35 Sedan w/5 AT

0-60 6.2 Seconds
1/4 Mile 14.6 seconds @ 95.7 mph

It really IS a fast car. Im sure there will be mods for it if I want some later, seeing as how its essentially a Nissan 350 Z.

Th handling cant be studied as empirically, but trust me when I say that it handles better.

[b4z]

A longer warranty does not necessarily indicate more confidence in it's maker. More often it is in response to lack of confidence in the product by the consumer.
This is not the case in Infinti's products but is certainly so in Chrysler's and Hyundia's among others.

[bnvus]

Yawn! You don't get the respect from anyone at a light with an infiniti...other than the butler. A 350Z maybe.

The Marauder and the SS COMMAND respect! They look aggressive.

Don't get me wrong the Infinti G35 is a nice car! If that is the look you are going for.

[LincMercLover]

I agree with bnvus. No one looks around in a parking lot, stumbles upon an Infinity and says WOW, LOOKIE THERE! Plus, I've had numerous people come up to me in parking lots asking "Is this car fast?!?!" or asking me to roast 'em. Doubt you'll get that. But hey, if the wife likes it, it makes all the difference, right? :D

[tinian_1]

It may not COMMAND respect, but heres a question: Is it better to have a car that shouts "perfomance" but can't deliver, or to own one that seems more docile but can blast the doors off BMW 330is?

I do love the image that the Marauder conveys, don't get me wrong. The G35 can't compete with the bad-ass looks on the marauder. The G does, howver, look good in its own right, and has already attracted lots of parking lot attention.

And while the wife's consent assisted, I could have forced the issue and obtained the Marauder without any long-term effects. After all, I let her chosse the car SHE wanted, and this was going to be MY ride.

I think it finally came down to excecution. I think if Mercury invests a little more time and effort into the Marauder, they'll have a winner. I'd even be willing to pay a bit more for it. I can't help but belive that I'm not the only one who feels this way, as there is a rebate on this car already.

I do think that the Marauder offers some wonderful perfomance once upgraded, and I wish I had the financial resources to do so, as well as the dedication required to own and maintain such a car. I'd love nothing more than to own a tire-smokin' KB Marauder like Mensrea.

The fact that the stock G35 can whup a stock Marauder, and both are in the same price range, is something that Mercury needs to rectify.

[tinian_1]

I don't know if you have checked out the Infintiy G35, but this is definately NOT an old-school Infinity. I'll give you a hint about this one: In Japan they call this model the "Skyline." Give you any hints about its pedigree?

While the Q, the I-series, and the G20 were/are real sleep-inducers, the G35 is not.

[Slowpoke]

When I bought the MM, I traded in my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited that only had 34,000 miles on it.

I can tell you that almost every time I take the car out, someone makes a positive comment about it. I've even had people stop, get out of their car and ask me if it in fact it is a Marauder. I never had that kind of attention before and I doubt I would get it if I had bought an Infinity.

I didn't buy the MM to be noticed - in fact I bought it because I wanted a high performance car that did not stick out. My choice was either the Marauder or a Mercedes S600 (use, of course; but in mint condition). I was learning toward the Mercedes until I thought that perhaps my customers would think I was making too much money!

I am also in a business where I may need to flee from people who will attempt to do me harm. I can smoke the bad guys easily since they often drive minivans.

slowpoke

[cyclone03]

I think #5 says it all!
My wife HATES MY Maruader.

Have fun blending in.

[tinian_1]

It almost sounds like you failed in your quest to find a high performance car that wouldn't stand out. I cant think of anyone who would classify a blacked-out, huge-tailpipe sporting, rumbling, 18" chromed wheel clad car as being one that would "not stick out." :) The Infinity does get positive comments, but I'm sure not as many as the Marauder. It doesn't have that "Look at me!" distinctiveness that the Marauder has. But it does fit the bill as being a high-performance car that doesn't stick out.

Be cautious about labeling Infinty as some kind of stodgy, low-performance brand. Before the Marauder, thats all Mercury was, after all.

[tinian_1]

I think that comment about "blending in" is almost unfair. That was not I bought the car. For me, its what you feel behind the wheel that is timportant, and frankly the G35 gave me a bigger smile. I can get some sort of pimped-out civic if I want attention, and I guarantee it'll get more looks that a Marauder. But what does that accomplish. I didn't buy a car for the general public's enjoyment, I bought it for my own.

And plus, anonymity has its own rewards. Who are the police gonna notice, a huge bad-ass marauder, or a lowly silver G?

And, for the record, this thread is NOT meant to slam Marauders. Quite the contrary, I LOVE the Marauder, and encourage Mercury to give it those few tweeks that will have me bringing my car to trade it in on one.

[cyclone03]

The #5 I was referring to was "spouse approval".
I also bought for my own enjoyment.The fact my kids fit is a bonus.

And for the record I don't see you in a Marauder.
They are a little raw.Rough around the edges.The ride can be harsh.The exaust sound is always there.Shifts are always felt.There not even close to being "the perfect car".
The Mercury Marauder is the LAST American Muscle Car! Built on an old front enging rear drive platform.
Just like Mustang,there are some (to some people)better Performing cars for the same money,but they can't push the same buttons.

When I saw the car that would become MINE in July that was it.
I was not shopping for a new car!That was it.
You don't compare a Maruader with other cars in the same catagory there isn't one to compare it with.

The Lincoln LS is a great car but I don't WANT one.
The G35 a great car too.
I did't need a list to justify my purchase.
I bought the car I WANTED!

[Polizei703]

****************

Edited for inflammatory content by Logan

[tinian_1]

I think its unfair to say "I don't see you in a Marauder." Thats my decision to make, not yours.

The whole purpose behind my list was as information. I have been looking at cars for a while, and have been a lurker on this board since first learning about the Marauder. I have found the information provided to be instructive and useful. I also believe there are others, like me, who look at this forum as a means to evaluate whether the Marauder is the car for them. As such, a list of reasons for the purchase of a car other than the Marauder may be a useful tool in assisting those also facing a similar decision.

Cyclone, from your description the Marauder sounds worse than I remember it. From my previous posts, you'll notice that I LIKED the sound of the engine. I'm just failing to find where the Marauder is so different from the G35. Theyre both front engine/rear wheel drive. They both have lower revving engines, as opposed to screaming VTEC engines. They both have comparable interior room. I mean, define muscle car. The only things that really separates the G from the Marauder are the Marauder's kick-ass looks and the G's superior perfomance. That, and the fact that the Marauder is an American car. If I want a real American muscle car, ill got get a Dodge Challenger or a Super Bee. Talk about kick-ass!

I did not mean to offend anyone by posting my list. Again, it was merely as information. If this post is truly offensive, then I ask Logan to please delete it. I still thing it is good feedback for everyone.

[tinian_1]

Go post on an Infiniti board? Groceries? I thought the posters on this board were above that sort of reply.

I posted because of the reasons listed above. I also wanted to take the opportunity to thank those who post here, as their comments in this forum proved useful during my evaluation of the Marauder.

Polizei, why do you have to take such a hostile stance towards my post. I didn't say anything like "Kiss my a@@ you marauder chumps, you can wave goodbye to my taillights as i smoke you at the stoplights." If anything, I have stated that I love the marauder, and would be willing to buy one if they make the rumored changes. I'm not sure if you have a problem dealing with the fact that someone might NOT choose the car you bought, but it was not my intention to insult your purchase. I look forward to the day when I see some Kenny Brown marauder blasting past me. It'll remind me that America still knows how to make a bad-ass car.

I certainly havent heard you attack the posters on this forum who own mustangs or Impala SSs, even though they dont own Marauders. Where was you battlecry of "go post on Mustang forums," or "Go post on Chevy forums?"

[Macon Marauder]

Not that it's any of my business, but...

Guys - lay off! There's room for everyone. I say let tinian_1 enjoy his Infinity. His decision, his choice, his money. And take his comments for what they are: his opinion.

Personally, I would say comparing the G35 and the MM is apples and oranges but I welcome any comparison that opens dialogue and MAY help to improve the breed in the long run.

And cyclone03 made me realize something about my MM purchase: I wasn't serioulsy shopping for a new car either. I had just bought the Sedona for my wife last month and was planning to drive my car for several more years. I drove the MM and connected with it and HAD TO HAVE IT!

I think (IMHO again) that maybe that connection (or emotional response, or whatever) is what tinian_1 was missing - or maybe he just felt it stronger in the Nissan. More power to him.

Drive what you like and like what you drive.

[gja]

Macon,
I'll go one further and say that comparing a G35 and a MM are like comparing steak with vegetables. They are both food, and that's where the similarities end. They are vastly different approaches to the same end, transportation. The two cars could not have more divergent philosophies if it were deliberate.

[MAD-3R]

I have to chime in here.

This forum is for Marauder Lovers, even if they don't have one. I happen to like to find people with a different opinion to mine. Hell is being trapped with people who agree with you.

The G35 (built by Nissan) is a fine car. Of all the "Import" lines, Nissan is the only one I would look at. Had a old pickup that was tougher then the rangers of the day.

The Infinity line id Nissans Upscale, like Lincoiln/Mercury is to Ford, and the G35 fills the same slot as the marauder. Fast and comfortable.

tinian_1 purchased the car he wanted. And to pariphrase Macon " Drive what you love, love what you drive"

[mtnh]

Tinian_1, good luck with your new car. I don't see anything in your messages that indicates hostility toward us or our cars. No need to delete, IMO. Your checklist was pretty comprehensive, and you made many good points. One thing that you may have left off was that at least you could get the G35 in a color beside "noir". You'll spend alot less time keeping it looking good. Heck, sometimes, due to differing conditions, our cars look pretty crappy RIGHT AFTER a fresh wash! (water spots, sometimes they seem impossible to prevent)

I am not sure about the handle of those G35s, after seeing what the MM pulls in the skidpad, I don't see much room for improvement. No, I didn't check the numbers for all, but I thought that the MM pulled about as close to a 'vette as you can get stock. Maybe there is less space for your butt to slide in a G35, so as long as your MM driver is not velcroed to the seat, the G35 can out-handle it. :^)

The one thing that G35 has to offer soon will be a 6-speed manual, right? That should really make some bad-ass 'Merican Iron sled drivers drool, with the expected 0-60 improvement that brings. Heck, they even discontinued my present ride, Lincoln LS manual...for this new year.

Good luck and try to ignore the hostilities. This list is pretty peaceful for the most part, but it's starting to look more and more like its distant cousin, CVN, as it grows up.

Mike

2003 MM
2000 Lincoln LS MTX

[Hack Goby]

Not to come down too hard but I think you got what your wife wanted and not what YOU wanted.

[nomad]

my .02. the guy bought a car. not a mm, but a car. get over it!! do i think my mm is the only REAL car out there? NO, but it's what i wanted. By the way, I just got rid of my lexus rx300 and ordered a subaru baja for the winter months. hope that doesn't make me un-american[oh thats right, the subaru IS made in America]:rolleyes:

[Logan]

One warning. Keep this conversation civil.

I for one can appreciate tinian_1's comments for what they are.

As for polzei's comments, that type of response won't be tolerated. Period.

[Moparzz]

[i]If I want a real American muscle car, ill got get a Dodge Challenger or a Super Bee. Talk about kick-ass![/B]

Amen to that!

I traded in my 2001 Lincoln LS8 for the Marauder. The Lincoln had fine performance and terrific handling, but was a little too sophisticated for my taste. I had been waiting for Dodge to come out with the new Challenger R/T with the new Hemi engine, but it has been put on the back burner by the folks from das Hinterland. The Marauder was more my type of car and is more like me, as someone described, a little rough around the edges, a little loud, oh well, I'm 50 years old now and the aforementioned cars in the quote are the cars I really loved as a youngster but could not afford. As you can see by some of the cars I've owned under my signature, I'm a Mopar fan, but Ford owns you these days if you like good old-fashioned all American V8 power with rear wheel drive.;)

[Polizei703]

Well I guess that opinion is a little too politically incorrect for logan, but the sentiment is the same, not really trying to offend you just asking why would you go tell a bunch of guys who are talking and learning about Marauders "hey fellas bought a car and its a Japanese import!!" and in addition to that list reasons why you didnt buy a Marauder? Just does not make sense. thats all just an observation. And was noting the Infiniti looks like every other big Japanese Import nothing or merit in its looks or distinction, now if thats offensive then I'm guilty, just didn't want to be insulting

[Polizei703]

Content moderated out of existence by Logan

[Logan]

Your comments were derogatory and didn't contribute anything to the conversation. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't post. Whether that fits your idea of how this board should be run, I could care less.

I'm done discussing this. Move on.

[cyclone03]

I guess I should use more smilies in my post's.:rolleyes:
If I EVER make a post like the one that started all this please everybody on this board feel free to bash me to heck!:cool:

[cyclone03]

oh,my slow typing got me again.

[RCSignals]

tinian_1 You bought the car you wanted. it's that simple.
I hope you enjoy it and that it is trouble free.
I think some of the people here didn't understand your post, saying you love the Marauder but bought an Infinity. The list almost looks like you are still trying to justify buying the Infinity. Maybe you can see that?

In comment:

" Who are the police gonna notice, a huge bad-ass marauder, or a lowly silver G?"

Probably the silver G if it looks sleek and fast

"And, for the record, this thread is NOT meant to slam Marauders. Quite the contrary, I LOVE the Marauder, and encourage Mercury to give it those few tweeks that will have me bringing my car to trade it in on one."

There are many people with that opinion. Some just because of poor magazine write ups. Some guys here are now reporting contrary information. The marauder isn't so bad out of the box after all, and gets much better with time on it.


An unfortunate aspect of not buying one, is that Ford may decide they won't make more.

The rebates don't mean the car has problems, as rebates have been applied to pretty much all the '03, and not just by Ford.